Timeline: Of Trump, Tariff and Taarif

Each handshake was weighed, all body language scrutinised, and every word dissected.

The path to the India–US trade deal wasn’t just about tariffs—it was theatre, strategy, and brinkmanship rolled into one. From charm offensives to threats wrapped in praise, the world watched a high-stakes negotiation unfold between the world’s largest democracy and its most powerful economy.

For India, this wasn’t merely about market access, it was about navigating geopolitical turbulence, managing energy dependencies, and staying on course for export-led growth. For the US, especially under a president prone to transactional diplomacy, the trade relationship with India became a lever—one that could be pulled, pushed, or weaponised.

Each tweet moved markets. Each visit sparked speculation. 

Below is a timeline that captures the key moments in this slow-boiling, high-drama trade tango—where every headline masked a spreadsheet, and every gesture had a geopolitical echo.